Van Gaal, speaking at a press conference to unveil Di Maria, said: "I had a conversation after lunch with the players and I said maybe after this weekend we shall have another group, because players shall go away and others shall come in."

One difficulty facing United, however, Van Gaal believes, is an apparent reluctance of other clubs to sell to them.

A perception has grown that players are less willing to move to United given their lack of European football this season, but Van Gaal insists problems are more to do with selling clubs.

He said: "We know already in advance what players we want and sometimes you can have them but sometimes no.

"It is also dependent on the club - more the club than the players, because the players want to come, all (of them)."

Van Gaal has promised that the defence will improve. The players so far deployed in Van Gaal's three-man back line have looked uncomfortable in the system.

Van Gaal said: "I think that we have no problem when the opponent has the ball because we have defended very well.

"Our problem is when we have the ball and have to build up the play and that we have to improve.

"I don't think our defence is weak. Our build-up is still not good enough. We shall improve that and that will take time."

Di Maria, meanwhile, has the potential to excite fans.

Van Gaal has no doubts the Argentina star - man of the match in last season's Champions League final - will fit into his system but has warned not expect magic immediately.

He said: "He played in Real Madrid not only as a wide wing player but also in midfield, so that is a reason why we are convinced he shall succeed.

"But we cannot expect after two days' training that he is the miracle what I already read (about). No, you have to work for the miracle and he knows that."

Comments

Post a comment

Comment

Remember you are personally responsible for what you post on this site and must abide by our site terms. Do not post anything that is false, abusive or malicious. If you wish to complain, please use the ‘report this post’ link.